What is "Always Here"?
AlwaysHere is an Animation created to show the viewers that sharing cultures and learning about them is something that we shouldn’t shy away from.
My Story
Since I was young, I’ve loved watching movies, especially animated ones. My dad would give me stacks of CDs and tell me to watch whatever I wanted. I’d spend entire days watching films like Ice Age, Nine, Ponyo, and countless others. My dad saw how much I loved these movies, so he kept bringing me more, and I watched them all. Today, I’ve probably seen hundreds of animated films, from feature-length movies to short films on YouTube. There’s something unique about the storytelling in animation—the way scenes and characters come to life through someone’s creative vision of reality.
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The Writing & Storyboards
When developing the story for my animation, I initially had a specific scene and storyline in mind, which I showcased in my first storyboard to communicate exactly what I wanted the audience to experience. However, over the summer, I found myself dissatisfied with the original plot, so I rewrote it entirely. Despite this major change, I kept the original scene I had storyboarded, as it still conveyed the essence of the message I wanted to share.
Unique Value
In my project research, including interviews and surveys, I discovered a variety of perspectives on cultural understanding and exchange. Some participants showed strong enthusiasm for exploring other cultures and engaging in conversations that broadened their worldview, while others expressed interest but had not yet sought these experiences actively. Social interactions emerged as the primary means of learning about other cultures, with most respondents saying they gained cultural insights through personal connections rather than formal education or media. However, as people age, these opportunities tend to decrease, making cultural exchange less frequent.
Many participants expressed a genuine desire to ask others about their cultural heritage but were cautious, aware of the sensitivity of such topics. They wanted to approach these conversations with respect, feeling like they were navigating carefully to avoid potential offense. In contrast, a few respondents were more straightforward, asking questions with curiosity but with less concern about possible misunderstandings. This highlighted the delicate balance between curiosity and cultural sensitivity.
Competition
For my senior project, I am creating an animated film called Always Here, which highlights the importance of cultural connection and understanding. Inspired by films like SUNDOWN, Resilience, and Green World, the film uses vibrant visuals, intimate pacing, and detailed storytelling to showcase cultural diversity in a unique way. While similar techniques are used in these films, Always Here specifically focuses on cross-cultural connections. The film targets viewers interested in exploring and learning about different cultures, aiming to inspire curiosity and real-world discussions about cultural unity.
Fathima Ahmad
Fathima Ahmad represents the target audience, and her struggles with media representation are addressed in the animated film "Always Here." The film aims to unite cultures and promote interest in diverse backgrounds. Fathima, who feels disconnected from her peers and fears judgment for expressing her heritage, finds media representation crucial for fostering understanding and curiosity about different cultures. This makes her fit the "everyman" archetype.
Daniel Santiago
Daniel Santiago represents the secondary audience—someone eager to learn about other cultures but hindered by a busy schedule. Many people, like Daniel, want to explore but don't know where to begin. His persona reflects this common desire, making him fit the "explorer" archetype, as he seeks knowledge but struggles to find a starting point.
Ivana Adu
Ivana Adu is the persona that represents the tertiary audience, she is someone who often looks for inspiration in many different places and recently has taken inspiration from film. However, the issue is that many of the films she watches depict cultures one-dimensionally and with little to no representation. Many films also tend to display and show the same cultures in a one-dimensional manner which can frustrate Ivana as she wants to take much of her inspiration from films and is determined to do so. This makes Ivana fit into the Creator archetype.
In our fast-paced lives, films provide a brief escape and a way to connect. Culture, being a key part of identity, can bring people together, and I want to create an animated film that explores cultural backgrounds and upbringings. This film aims to engage and capture the audience’s attention, offering both entertainment and relaxation. While animated films are often seen as for children, they are increasingly enjoyed by all ages. My goal is for the film to help people unwind while also learning about cultural differences.